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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic disease that causes joint inflammation because the immune system to attacks the joints. RAcan also cause harm to other organs in the body such as the lungs and skin. Due to the amount of joint destruction this disease does to the individual, they usually suffer a substantial loss of their mobility because of the extreme pain they are in.
The specific cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is still unknown. However research suggests that smokers (are 4 times more likely than non-smokers), and a family history have an increase risk of being affected by RA.Women also have an increased risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis than men (three times more often), developing it earlier than them, between the ages of 40-50.
It is diagnosed with blood tests (especially a test called rheumatoid factor) and X-rays. Diagnosis and long-term management are typically performed by a rheumatologist, an expert in the diseases of joints and connective tissues.
Some of the common treatments used for RA are:
·Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), this is used to reverse the disease process and prevent long-term damage
·Anti-inflammatory agents and Analgesics are required to suppress the symptoms,
·Non-pharmacological treatment like physical therapy and occupational therapy, to aid mobility
Depending on the patient’s condition, these treatments can be used either on their own or in combination.
What actually triggers Rheumatoid Arthritis is still up for debate; however there has been some evidence that suggests that infections release into the blood stream increases vessel and joint inflammation. This then causes symptoms such as fever, malaise, loss of appetite and weight loss and many other organ systems systemic complications.
Kathleen Turner, Aida Turturro (The Sopranos), James Coburn
Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes 50% Of Patients To Be Work-Disabled Within 10 Years Of Disease Onset.
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